Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Despite the Republican presidential candidate's assertions, in the event of a terrorist threat of attack, the only beneficiary among the three remaining candidates is John McCain alone.

On Friday, McCain said that "Al Qaeda or another extremist group might attempt spectacular attacks in Iraq to try to tilt the U.S. election against me." This is a new page in the republican playbook, which they are bound to use more in the coming months. Republicans know that this fear-mongering tactic will work in the general elections and don't want to play their card too soon.

Senator Hillary Clinton used this method once in the Texas primary with her "3 a.m." ad, focusing on the idea of the U.S. president's potential to lead the country during terrorist attacks.

But, if Senator Clinton is so compelling in her efforts to fix domestic shortcomings and Senator Obama seems able to engage more American in politics and form a more united America, when it comes to foreign policy, Senator McCain has the final word, as he can rely on his longtime service in the Army and Senate.

Obama's superior sense of judgment and Clinton's new approach toward foreign policy separate them from the republican candidate. However, when it comes to threats to the nation, people tend to vote somebody who has already been tested.

The fear factor will lead people to choose a candidate who is experienced enough. McCain's allegations show that his advisors are readying people for the day they choose their candidates not because of their passion, excellent plans and inspiring speeches, but simply for their ability to properly react should any national security threat come up.

Yet among the three remaining candidates, McCain is the weakest when it comes to domestic issues and has no significant plan when it comes to economy, health care and education.

Regarding the importance and urgency of capturing the White House, nothing can better serve republicans than images of "fear" and "foreign threat." So, the question now is in what manner republicans will make national security and foreign policy their first priority in the coming months. If you find it hard to guess, remember the months before the Iraq invasion in April 2003. Remember?